Actuator cap for a spray device

Abstract

A dispensing system includes a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The dispensing system also includes an electro-responsive wire that imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.

We claim: 
     
       1. A dispensing system, comprising:
 a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end; and 
 an electro-responsive wire, wherein movement of the electro-responsive wire imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container, and wherein the motion is imparted in response to the receipt of an electronic signal generated by a sensor. 
 
     
     
       2. The dispensing system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic signal may also be generated by the depression of a manual pushbutton. 
     
     
       3. The dispensing system of  claim 1 , wherein the tilt-activated valve stem is a metered dose valve stem. 
     
     
       4. A dispensing system, comprising:
 a container having a tilt-activated valve stem; 
 a dispensing member configured to be disposed on a portion of the valve stem, wherein a conduit of the dispensing member is in fluid communication with a discharge end of the valve stem; and 
 an electro-responsive wire configured to impart motion to the dispensing member, 
 wherein the electro-responsive wire contracts in response to an electronic signal. 
 
     
     
       5. The dispensing system of  claim 4 , wherein the tilt-activated valve stem is a metered dose valve stem. 
     
     
       6. The dispensing system of  claim 4 , wherein the electronic signal is generated by one of a sensor, a timing circuit, and the depression of a manual pushbutton. 
     
     
       7. A dispensing system, comprising:
 a container having a tilt-activated valve stem; and 
 an electro-responsive wire, wherein movement of the electro-responsive wire imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container, wherein motion is imparted in response to an electronic signal generated by one of a timer, a sensor, or manual actuation, and wherein the electro-responsive wire performs a sequence that includes multiple contractions and expansions of the electro-responsive wire in response to the electronic signal. 
 
     
     
       8. The dispensing system of  claim 7 , wherein the sequence comprises first contracting and then expanding in response to an electronic signal. 
     
     
       9. The dispensing system of  claim 7 , wherein the sequence comprises first expanding and then contracting in response to an electronic signal. 
     
     
       10. The dispensing system of  claim 7 , wherein the tilt-activated valve stem is a metered dose valve stem. 
     
     
       11. A dispensing system, comprising:
 a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end; and 
 an electro-responsive wire, wherein movement of the electro-responsive wire imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container, and wherein the motion is imparted in response to the receipt of an electronic signal generated by a timing circuit. 
 
     
     
       12. The dispensing system of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic signal may also be generated by the depression of a manual pushbutton. 
     
     
       13. The dispensing system of  claim 11 , wherein the tilt-activated valve stem is a metered dose valve stem.